Betsy Polatin's Books

The Actor's Secret

Techniques for Transforming Habitual Patterns and Improving Performance

By: Betsy Polatin

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The Actor's Secret

Techniques for Transforming Habitual Patterns and Improving Performance

By: Betsy Polatin

Offering revolutionary new training for the actor, The Actor's Secret teaches actors and performers how to incorporate the fundamentals of the Alexander Technique, Somatic Experiencing®, and Breathing Coordination in order to reduce performance anxiety and stress; improve stage presence, breathing, and vocal production; and restore well-being and healthy functioning. These three kinesthetic disciplines are designed to lead to profound change and healing through body-mind reeducation. Part I explains in detail the principles of the three techniques. A practical method for self-improvement and neuromuscular reeducation, the Alexander Technique focuses on changing inefficient habits of movement and patterns of tension that inhibit the ability to move easily. Breathing Coordination helps increase breathing capacity and awareness. A method for resolving emotional trauma, Somatic Experiencing® follows a process of tracking bodily sensations to restore vitality and health. Enhanced with over 100 instructive photos, Parts II and III present explorations and exercises that draw on elements of the three methods. Topics covered include the importance of presence and non-doing; the proper mechanics of vocalization and singing; the understanding of character and role; and the actor's journey from auditions to performance, including initial script preparation, rehearsal, monologue, and scene work. Developed by Betsy Polatin, a movement specialist and master lecturer at Boston University's College of Fine Arts, the book's exercises provide the actor with simple tools for exploring his or her acting work. Most techniques and self-help books teach a new way of "doing." The secret of this book lies in "non-doing." When the actor learns to first recognize and then suspend habitual patterns, he or she opens the door to deeper artistic choices. "I have worked with many fine Alexander Technique teachers over the years and Betsy Polatin is far and away one of the finest. Her touch, her instincts, and her knowledge are miraculous."—Andre Gregory, actor and director, My Dinner with Andre

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Page Count

297

Publisher

North Atlantic Books

Published Date

ISBN 10

1583946837

ISBN 13

9781583946831

The Actor's Secret

Techniques for Transforming Habitual Patterns and Improving Performance

By: Betsy Polatin

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

The Actor's Secret

Techniques for Transforming Habitual Patterns and Improving Performance

By: Betsy Polatin

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N/A

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Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

297

Publisher

North Atlantic Books

Published Date

ISBN 10

1583946837

ISBN 13

9781583946831

Humanual: A Manual for Being Human

By: Betsy Polatin

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Humanual: A Manual for Being Human

By: Betsy Polatin

Each of us has an everyday self that we assume our self to be. But what if there is more to us than meets the eye? What if there is an expanded version of our self that includes not only the habitual patterns, the lost parts, and the innate organization but also a connection to the grand, scintillating space of the universe and the possibilities it offers us? HUMANUAL is a unique and comprehensive approach to self-knowledge and self-improvement, offering a clear, concise, and rather simple set of explanations and exercises to facilitate understanding and unity of body, mind, and spirit. Many of us have lost our connection to each other, the planet, ourselves, and our bodies, causing distress and discomfort. But in actuality, we have a wealth of resources inside of us that we can learn to enliven and use to our advantage to access health and well-being. Anyone can use the exercises in this book for personal exploration and growth. You will learn: How to become aware of habitual thought and movement patterns that prevent you from embodying your full sense of Self in body, mind, and spirit. How to breathe to full capacity, with maximum efficiency and minimal effort, according to our inherent design, which fully oxygenates your system to feel more awake and alive in the present moment. How to cope with and resolve overwhelming experiences, and handle stress that can hinder enjoyment of a rich, positive experience of life. How to awaken your inherent potential by finding the support from the ground that can lead to full stature and expansion, while noting how trauma and overwhelm can interfere with this process. HUMANUAL will help you learn to use what you already have within you . . . and expand your full potential! Learn to do whatever you do with just a bit more presence in every minute. The book is both instructional and inspirational.

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Page Count

300

Publisher

Waterside Productions

Published Date

ISBN 10

1949003787

ISBN 13

9781949003789

The Cybil War

By: Betsy Byars

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The Cybil War

By: Betsy Byars

Simon learns some hard lessons about good and bad friendships when his good friend Tony's stories involve him in some very troublesome and complicated situations.

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Page Count

146

Publisher

Scholastic

Published Date

ISBN 10

0590325000

ISBN 13

9780590325004

Taffy Sinclair, Queen of the Soaps

By: Betsy Haynes

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Taffy Sinclair, Queen of the Soaps

By: Betsy Haynes

When gorgeous, conceited Taffy Sinclair wins a part on a television soap opera, eleven-year-old Jana's jealousy skyrockets until she begins to mix television fantasy with real life.

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Page Count

132

Publisher

Skylark

Published Date

ISBN 10

0553156470

ISBN 13

9780553156478

Judy Blume's Story

By: Betsy Lee

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Judy Blume's Story

By: Betsy Lee

In personal interviews and correspondence, the popular author discusses the relationship between herself and her characters, how she became an author, and what her daily life is like now.

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Publisher

Scholastic Paperbacks

Published Date

ISBN 10

0590327224

ISBN 13

9780590327220

Bingo Brown and the Language of Love

By: Betsy Cromer Byars

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Bingo Brown and the Language of Love

By: Betsy Cromer Byars

As fifth grader Bingo Brown strives for the triumphs of today and steels himself against the tribulations of tomorrow, he discovers that he will have to undergo a few more trials and triumphs before growing up.

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Page Count

132

Publisher

Fireside Books

Published Date

ISBN 10

1557361460

ISBN 13

9781557361462

Book's by Betsy Polatin

The Actor's Secret

The Actor's Secret

The Actor's Secret

The Actor's Secret

Humanual: A Manual for Being Human

Humanual: A Manual for Being Human

The Cybil War

The Cybil War

Taffy Sinclair, Queen of the Soaps

Taffy Sinclair, Queen of the Soaps

Judy Blume's Story

Judy Blume's Story

Bingo Brown and the Language of Love

Bingo Brown and the Language of Love

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